Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself

Slave Narratives Begin as antebellum period autobiographies of former slaves, continue as a genre after the Civil War and into the present day Designed to enlighten white readers about both the realities of slavery as an institution and the humanity of African Americans as individuals deserving of full human rights

Explain… Purpose? Audience?

Characteristics Antebellum slave narrator portrays slavery as a kind of hell on earth Decision to escape is brought about by personal crisis, “a dark night of the soul in which hope contends with despair for the spirit of the slave”

Rhetoric “the use of language for persuasive effect” Rhetoric of slave narrative is meant to appeal to broad audience, including white Americans Decision to escape: impelled by faith in God and a commitment to liberty and human dignity comparable (the slave narrative often stresses) to that of America's Founding Fathers, the slave undertakes an arduous quest for freedom

Persuasive Appeals Ethos: appeal to one’s own character or reputation Pathos: appeal to emotion Logos: appeal to logic or emotion

During Reading Highlight examples of characterization (see character trait chart) Highlight passages that seem to argue against slavery (using ethos, pathos, or logos)